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Christ College Certification Requirements

Christ College guides students interested in receiving certification for ministerial vocations in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

LCMS students pursuing such certification must apply for admission into a Christ College program and complete the academic preparation in their program. Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all course work and a 2.8 cumulative GPA in required Christ College courses. Students must receive at least a C- in courses required for LCMS certification (including professional program and/or major). Those students successfully completing all requirements will receive a certificate along with a commemorative medallion from Christ College and will be considered for recommendation by the faculty for certification by the LCMS or for admission into a LCMS seminary.

CCI 001-008: Seminar in Ministry

Taken each year during a semester not taking CCI 103, 203, 303, or 403.

0.5 - 2 units

CCI 103: Introduction to Ministry

This course will explore Christian vocations including the possibility of full-time professional church work in the LCMS as pastor, teacher, director of Christian education, or director of parish music and examine these positions in the context of the church-at-large and local congregations. The professional and personal growth and formation of the future church worker will be described and fostered.

1 unit

CCI 203: Church Polity and Organizational Structure

This course will explore the history of the LCMS and how that has affected the structure and governance of the church. The polity of the Synod in relation to its congregations will be studied so that students will view the structure of Synod, including its congregations, circuits, districts, and national office, as a system that enables the church to carry out its mission effectively.

1 unit

CCI 303: Teaching the Faith

This course will explore the proper distinction of Law and Gospel and its application in Christian education and ministry through the study of faith development and classroom management being considered as applications of Law and Gospel. Creation and evaluation of curricula, Bible studies, and other materials will also be seen as applications of Law and Gospel.

1 unit

CCI 403: The Role of the Christian Professional

This course will prepare students for lives as full-time church work professionals through the study of topics that will enhance the personal and professional lives of the future church work professional: developing a family budget; personal and spiritual life of the called worker; the call process; income tax and social security; retirement and investment planning; and Christian professionalism and ethics.

1 unit

THL 201: History and Literature of the Old Testament

An historical and literary survey course of the Old Testament, with an emphasis on theological themes and their relevance for Christian faith and life.

3 units

THL 202: History and Literature of the New Testament

An historical and literary survey course of the New Testament, with an emphasis on theological themes and their relevance for Christian faith and life.

3 units

THL 304: History of the Christian Church

This course will survey the origin and development of the Christian church through the examination of its political and cultural contexts and influences, with special consideration given to theological themes which surfaced at different times and places throughout the history of the Christian church, culminating with 21st century trends in fundamentalism, evangelicalism, and ecumenism.

3 units

THL 371: Christian Doctrine 1

An introductory course in systematic and confessional theology covering theological method, revelation and Scripture, Law and Gospel, the Triune God and His attributes, humanity and sin, and the person and work of Jesus Christ as the God/man, with an emphasis on key biblical material and its expression in the Lutheran Confessions.

3 units

THL 372: Christian Doctrine 2

An introductory course in systematic and confessional theology covering the work of Christ, the person and the work of the Holy Spirit, the church and eschatology, with an emphasis on key biblical materials and its expression in the Lutheran Confessions. Prerequisite: THL 371.

3 units

Questions?

Current students, please note: The requirements listed here may not reflect the most current courses for this program and may not be the requirements for the catalog year you are following to complete your program. Please refer to the Academic Catalog for official requirements you must meet to qualify for a degree.